Jose Reyes back in lineup for Mets

APNew York Mets shortstop Jose Reyes looks on during national anthem before a baseball game against the Washington Nationals Saturday in New York. Reyes was back in the starting lineup on Saturday. The all-star shortstop was sidelined all but 36 games last year by a hamstring problem, then missed most of spring training with a hyperactive thyroid.

NEW YORK — Jose Reyes was back in the starting lineup and batting first for the New York Mets on Saturday against the Washington Nationals.

“It’s good to be back,” he said.

The All-Star shortstop was sidelined all but 36 games last year by a hamstring problem, then missed most of spring training with a hyperactive thyroid.

Hyperactive might be a good way to describe him in the clubhouse Saturday.

New York Times: Reyes' arrival boosts Mets' moraleReyes bounced around the room with an enormous smile on his face, joking with anybody who stopped by his locker to wish him luck. After taking batting practice, he was greeted in the dugout by general manager Omar Minaya, who gave him a big hug.

“He brings such energy to the team,” Minaya said. “I was thinking about that this morning, it’s been almost a year, 11 months, since he’s been on the field. It’s nice to have him back.”

Reyes hasn’t played since May 20 because of the hamstring injury, which the team initially hoped would be resolved with rest and rehabilitation. While he was running during rehab, though, a new tear developed in his right hamstring and he had surgery in October.

The bad luck that followed him all season wasn’t done.

Reyes arrived at spring training ready to play, but doctors detected an abnormality during a physical and he was taken out of the lineup for tests. The thyroid problem was discovered and Reyes was forced to sit out a few weeks, forcing him to miss the first four games of the season while he got in shape in the minors.

Mets manager Jerry Manuel said he’s not worried about any lingering issues, and plans to keep Reyes in the lineup for at least the next four games.

“I think this is just the freedom that you have to give a player when he hasn’t played as long as it’s been,” Manuel said. “You know, he’s excited, and you have to hope that excitement rubs off on the team, No. 1, and No. 2, he’s somewhat controlled for his sake.

“You just have to sit and watch him play with that enthusiasm and joy that he brings.”

That spark was missing much of last season, when the Mets — beset by injuries to Reyes, Carlos Beltran, Carlos Delgado and just about everybody else — struggled to a 70-92 finish.